Multi-zone customizable weighted blankets

ABSTRACT

A multi-zone blanket comprises multiple compartments along a length and a width; first pouches configured to be secured in a first set of the multiple compartments, the first set of the multiple compartments associated with a first zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the first pouches having a first weight, the first pouches for causing a first weighted distribution across the first zone; and second pouches configured to be secured in a second set of the multiple compartments, the second set of the multiple compartments associated with a second zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the second pouches having a second weight different than the first weight, the second pouches for causing a second weighted distribution across the second zone.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/773,159, entitled “Weighted Blanket and Methods ofManufacturing and Customization,” filed on Nov. 29, 2018, by inventorShiZhong Richard Xu, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to blankets. More specifically, this disclosurepertains to multi-zoned weighted blankets.

BACKGROUND

A weighted blanket is a heavy blanket that covers a body or body parts.A weighted blanket has been used by medical or therapy professionals forvarious medical or therapeutic purposes. Under conventional approaches,a weighted blanket can be selected based on a person's body weight(generally about 10% of body weight). Therefore, in this example, aperson weighting 150 pounds would select a weighted blanket that weighsapproximately 15 pounds. However, under such conventional approaches, aweighted blanket may not suit a person's preference.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a multi-zoneweighted blanket and a method of configuring the multi-zone weightedblanket. In some embodiments, a blanket can be subdivided into two ormore substantially equal compartments along a length and a width of theblanket. A first compartment in the two or more substantially equalcompartments can be filled with a first pouch containing a first numberof weighted materials (or, “units”). The first pouch corresponds to afirst weight density for the blanket. A second compartment in the two ormore substantially equal compartments can be filled with a second pouchcontaining a second number of weighted materials. The second pouchcorresponds to a second weight density for the blanket. The first weightdensity is greater than the second weight density.

In some embodiments, a third compartment in the two or moresubstantially equal compartments can be filled with a third pouchcontaining a third number of weighted materials. The third pouchcorresponds to a third weight density for the blanket. The second weightdensity being greater than the third weight density.

In some embodiments, the weighted materials can be at least one ofceramic beads, plastic beads, or metallic beads.

In some embodiments, each compartment of the two or more substantiallyequal compartments can include an opening with a mechanical couplingdevice that allows the opening to be closed shut.

In some embodiments, the mechanical coupling device is at least one of azipper, Velcro, button, or fastener.

In some embodiments, a layer can be attached to the blanket such thatthe mechanical coupling device is not in direct contact with a personwhen the blanket is applied to the person.

In some embodiments, the layer can be detachable from the blanket.

In some embodiments, compartments in the two or more substantially equalcompartments that correspond to four corners of the blanket can beconfigured to be at the first weight density. Compartments in the two ormore substantially equal compartments corresponding to regions of theblanket between the four corners can be configured to be at the secondweight density.

In some embodiments, compartments in the two or more substantially equalcompartments that correspond to a region in a middle of the blanket canbe configured to be at the third weight density.

In some embodiments, each of the two or more substantially equalcompartments can be at least one of a square shape, rectangular shape,pentagonal shape, hexagonal shapes, or octagonal shape arranged alongthe length and the width of the blanket.

These and other features of the apparatus and the method are disclosedherein, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and arenot intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanket,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1B depicts a diagram a first weighted blanket and a second weightedblanket of different weight densities, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1C depicts a diagram showing a person covered by a weighted blanketcomprising one or more compartments, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2A depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanket,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanket,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2C depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanketconfigured for a couple, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A depicts a flowchart of an example method of creating weightdensities in a multi-zone weighted blanket, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3B depicts a flowchart of an example method of creating amulti-zone weighted blanket optimized for a person, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3C depicts a flowchart of an example method of creating adynamically configurable multi-zone weighted blanket, according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A weighted blanket is a heavy blanket that covers a body or body parts.A weighted blanket may be used by medical or therapy professionals forvarious medical or therapeutic purposes. For example, a weighted blanketmay be used to alleviate discomfort in a person's lower extremities(e.g., legs) that is typically associated with people suffering fromrestless leg syndrome. As another example, a weighted blanket mayprovide a positive calming effect to a person that may lead to bettersleep quality. Under conventional approaches, a weighted blanket can beselected based on a person's body weight. For example, it is generallybelieved that a blanket weighing 10% of a person's body weight is a goodbenchmark for choosing a weighted blanket. However, under suchconventional approaches, a weighted blanket may not be customizable to aperson's preference and/or requirements. For example, a person mayprefer an uneven distribution of weight, instead of an even distributionof weight. Further, a person may want to adjust the weight distribution.

The embodiments described herein address the aforementioned problems andother problems. Various embodiments described herein are directed to anapparatus and a method of configuring a multi-zone weighted blanketbased on various weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket. Insome embodiments, a multi-zone weighted blanket can be subdivided intosubstantially equal compartments (e.g., pockets) along a length and awidth of the multi-zone weighted blanket in a grid-like arrangement. Afirst compartment can be filled with a pouch containing a first numberof a weighted material to generate a first weight or first weightdensity for the multi-zone weighted blanket. A second compartment can befilled with a pouch containing a second number of the weighted materialto generate a second weight or second weight density for the multi-zoneweighted blanket. A third compartment can be filled with a third pouchcontaining a third number of the weighted material to generate a thirdweight or third weight density for the multi-zone weighted blanket. Insome embodiments, these weight densities of the multi-zone weightedblanket can be used to optimize or tailor the multi-zone weight blanketfor a person. For example, in some embodiments, a multi-zone weightedblanket can be configured such that compartments corresponding to fourcorners of the multi-zone weighted blanket have first weight densities(e.g., inserted first pouches into the compartments), compartmentscorresponding to regions of the multi-zone weighted blanket between thefour corners have second weight densities (e.g., inserted second pouchesinto the compartments), and compartments corresponding to a region in amiddle of the multi-zone weighted blanket have third weight densities(e.g., inserted third pouches). In such embodiments, the first weightdensity is greater (e.g., heavier) than the second weight density, andthe second weight density is greater (e.g., heavier) than the thirdweight density.

In some embodiments, a weight density profile of a multi-zone weightedblanket can be dynamically configured. For example, a person can removepouches of weighted materials stored in a compartment of the multi-zoneweighted blanket to reduce a weight density of the compartment. In somecases, the person can add pouches of weighted materials to thecompartment of the multi-zone weighted blanket to increase the weightdensity of the compartment. In such embodiments, a person can customizeor configure a multi-zone weighted blanket to have a specific weightdensity profile (e.g., that is specific to the person's particularlikings and/or another person's particular likings). In someembodiments, there may be low weight pouches, medium weight pouches andheavy weight pouches. The low weight pouches may be placed in thecompartments above the core section of the body (e.g., the core zone).The medium weight pouches may be placed in the compartments above theneck and extremities of the body (e.g., the extremity zones). The heavyweight pouches may be placed in the compartments at the corners tosupport a heavier drape (e.g., in the corner zones). Because differentbodies have different shapes and sizes, different people may preferdifferent distributions of the pouches. Larger people may prefer alarger core zone. Notably, one person may use low weight pouches thatare heavier than the low weight pouches of another person, medium weightpouches that are heavier than the medium weight pouches of the otherperson, and heavy weight pouches that are heavier than the heavy weightpouches of the other person. For example, in some embodiments, a man mayprefer heavier weights than a woman. These and other embodiments of theclaimed inventions are discussed in further detail herein.

FIG. 1A depicts a diagram 100 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket102, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, themulti-zone weighted blanket 102 can be made from cotton fabric, silkfabric, polyester, velvet, or any type of suitable blanket material. Themulti-zone weighted blanket 102, in some embodiments, can comprise oneor more compartments 104 (e.g., pockets) that can be filled withweighted materials such as, for example, ceramic beads (or pellets) of aparticular density, plastic beads of a particular density, metallicbeads of a particular density, and/or other suitable weighted materials.In some embodiments, weighted materials can be packaged into a pouch(e.g., a bean bag) or other container that can then be inserted into theone or more compartments 104. For example, the ceramic beads can bepackaged into a pouch and the pouch can be inserted into the one or morecompartments 104 of the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. In someembodiments, the pouch can have a zipper or other suitable couplingdevices, such as Velcro, to allow insertion, securing, and/or removal ofweighted materials in the pouch to achieve an optimal weight and/orweight density.

In some embodiments, pouches of varying weight densities can be createdbased on a number of weighted materials inserted into the pouches. Forexample, a pouch with a high weight density can be created by insertinga large number of weighted materials in the pouch. As another example, apouch with a low density can be created by inserting a small number ofweighted materials into the pouch. In some cases, pouches of varyingweight densities can be created based on types of weighted materialsused. For example, a pouch with a high weight density can be created byusing metallic beads. As another example, a pouch with a low density canbe created by using plastic beads. In some embodiments, different typesof weighted materials can be used to achieve an ideal weight density.For example, a pouch can contain some combination of ceramic beads,plastic beads, and/or metallic beads. Of course, the weighted blanketneed not be limited to three weight densities.

In some embodiments, the one or more compartments 104 of the multi-zoneweighted blanket 102 can be filled with an insulation material such as,for example, cotton, wool, felt, or other suitable insulating materials.In some embodiments, the one or more compartments 104 can be filled withsome combination of weighted material and insulation material. Forexample, a compartment can be filled with both a pouch containingceramic beads and wool. In general, it is the weighted material and/orthe insulation material in each compartment of the multi-zone weightedblanket 102 that causes a person to feel weight (e.g., pressure) of themulti-zone weighted blanket 102.

In general, pouches of varying weight densities can be inserted into theone or more compartments 104 to create the multi-zone weight blanket102. For example, in some embodiments, compartments corresponding tosome regions of the multi-zone weight blanket 102 can include pouches ofhigh weight densities, while compartments corresponding to other regionsof the multi-zone weight blanket 102 can include pouches of other weightdensities. In such embodiments, multi-zone weight blanket 102 containsregions of high weight density and regions of other weight densities.The multi-zone weight blanket 102 is discussed in further detail withrespect to FIGS. 2A-2C herein.

In some embodiments, each compartment of the one or more compartments104 can include an opening 106 that can be used to fill each compartmentwith either a pouch containing weighted material, an insulationmaterial, weighted material directly, or a combination thereof. Forexample, a compartment can be filled with equal portions of wool and apouch containing ceramic beads through the opening 106. The opening 106of each compartment can be closed shut (e.g., secured shut) by amechanical coupling device, such as a zipper, Velcro, buttons,fasteners, or other suitable securing devices. For example, a zipper canbe used to open or shut an opening of a compartment (or a pocket) of amulti-zone weighted blanket. In this example, the opening allows aperson to fill the compartment with a desired material(s) and/or weight.

In some embodiments, the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 can include anadditional layer 108. In the diagram 100 of FIG. 1A, the multi-zoneweighted blanket 102 is shown with the layer 108 partially detached orremoved from the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. In some embodiments,the layer 108 can be attached or secured to the multi-zone weightedblanket 102 by one or more of the aforementioned mechanical couplingdevices. The layer 108 can shield the mechanical coupling devices, suchas zippers, from being in direct contact with a person covered by themulti-zone weighted blanket 102. In some embodiments, the layer 108 isdetachable or removable from the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. Forexample, the layer 108 can be entirely removed from the multi-zoneweighted blanket 102 for washing, for example. In some embodiments, thelayer 108 can be a sheet (e.g., a bed sheet) made from the same fabricmaterial as the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. In some cases, themulti-zone weighted blanket 102 and the layer 108 can be made fromdifferent fabrics. For example, the layer 108 can be a cotton fabricwhile the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 can be polyester. In somecases, instead of the layer 108, each opening 106 of the one or morecompartments 104 can include an additional fabric (e.g., a flap) toprevent a mechanical coupling device (e.g., a zipper) from being indirect contact with a person.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the one or more compartments 104 can be a series ofsquare shapes that evenly divides the multi-zone weighted blanket 102along its length and width and arranged in a grid-like arrangement. Ingeneral, the one or more compartments 104 can be any shape that dividesthe multi-zone weighted blanket 102 into sections or portions (e.g.,compartments), possibly of substantially equal shape and size. In someembodiments, the one or more compartments 104 can be rectangular shapes,pentagonal shapes, hexagonal shapes, or octagonal shapes arranged alongthe length and width of the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. Althoughthe compartments 104 are shown here as substantially equal sections,some embodiments may include compartments that have different shapesand/or sizes from each other (e.g., they are not substantially equal).For example, portions that may typically require more customization mayhave relatively smaller compartments, while portions that may typicallyrequire less customization may have relatively larger compartments.

Generally, the general feeling of a weighted blanket on a body is due toan effective area of the weighted blanket that covers the body (e.g.,drapes around the body). For example, FIG. 1B depicts a diagram 120 inwhich a first blanket 122 and a second blanket 124 are shown to cover(e.g., drape) a person. The first blanket 122 is a multi-zone weightedblanket with 192 equal-sized compartments (e.g., 16′×12′), and thesecond blanket 124 is a multi-zone weighted blanket with 96 equal-sizedcompartments (e.g., 12′×8′). In this example, if the first blanket 122and the second blanket 124 have the same overall weight, the personcovered by the second blanket 124 would feel twice the weight (e.g.,pressure) as the person covered by the first blanket 122. This isbecause the weight (e.g., pressure) exerted by the first blanket 122 isdistributed (e.g., spread) over twice the area of the second blanket 124(e.g., 16′×12′ versus 12′×8′). Therefore, in this example, the firstblanket 122 would have a lighter feel to a person than the secondblanket 124.

Using the principle described above, a multi-zone weighted blanket maybe selected based on a weight density of the multi-zone weighted blanketon an effective area of the multi-zone weighted blanket that covers abody of a person. A multi-zone weighted blanket, when selected based ona weight density, gives a person greater flexibility in allowing theperson to choose a multi-zone weighted blanket that is tailored to theperson's specific preferences in terms of how the person feelsunderneath the multi-zone weighted blanket. For example, FIG. 1C depictsa diagram 140 showing a person covered by a multi-zone weighted blanket142 comprising one or more compartments. As shown in the diagram 140 ofFIG. 1C, the multi-zone weighted blanket 142 has a length of 72 inches,a width of 38 inches, and a weight of either 15, 12, or 10 pounds. Invarious embodiments, as discussed above, the weight of the multi-zoneweighted blanket 142 can be varied by varying amount of materials (e.g.,weighted or insulation materials) filled in the compartments of themulti-zone weighted blanket 142. In this example, a weight density ofthe multi-zone weighted blanket 142 can be calculated by dividing theweight by the length and the width of the multi-zone weighted blanket142. For instance, as shown in the diagram 140 of FIG. 1C, themulti-zone weighted blanket 142 can have a weight density of either0.0043, 0.0035, or 0.0029 pounds per square inch based on the amount ofmaterials in the compartments of the multi-zone weighted blanket 142.Each weight density can cause a person to feel different underneath themulti-zone weighted blanket 142. Accordingly, a person can select amulti-zone weighted blanket by adjusting a weight of the multi-zoneweighted blanket that best suits the person's own unique preference, andnot based on a fixed percentage (e.g., 10%) of the person's body weight.

In addition to how a person feels underneath a multi-zone weightedblanket, in some embodiments, other considerations may also beconsidered when configuring a multi-zone weighted blanket. For example,a person suffering from fibromyalgia (e.g., chronic body pain) mayprefer a multi-zone weighted blanket that is generally lighter. Asanother example, a person may prefer a multi-zone weighted blanket witha smaller footprint that covers a target area (e.g., a body) withoutdraping too long or wide.

In some embodiments, a person can select and/or configure a multi-zoneweighted blanket based on the person's height, weight, and/or body massindex (BMI). For example, a person with a height of 6 feet may need amulti-zone weighted blanket that has a longer length than a person witha height of 5 feet. As another example, a person with a higher BMI mayneed a blanket that is wider than a person with a lower BMI. Manyvariations are possible and contemplated. In some embodiments, a personmay order a customized multi-zone weighted blanket via a graphical userinterface over a network (e.g., Internet). For example, the person cansubmit their height, weight, BMI, and/or personal preferences (e.g.,prefer lighter or higher weight or density in one or more areas), andthe system may match the information against one or more availablemulti-zone weighted blankets to select a particular available multi-zoneweighted blanket, and/or order the manufacture or production of acorresponding multi-zone weighted blanket.

FIG. 2A depicts a diagram 200 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket202, according to some embodiments. As discussed, in some embodiments, amulti-zone weighted blanket (e.g., the multi-zone weighted blanket 102of FIG. 1A) comprises multiple compartments. These compartments, invarious embodiments, can be filled with various materials (e.g.,weighted and/or insulation materials) that result in the compartmentsand/or zones having a particular weight density. For example, if acompartment is filled with a pouch containing a large number of ceramicbeads, the compartment correspondingly would have a higher weightdensity (e.g., heavier) than if the compartment were filled with a pouchcontaining fewer ceramic beads or plastic beads. Thus, by varying aweight density in each compartment of the weighted blanket, a multi-zoneweighted blanket 202 can result.

In some embodiments, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 can distributedifferent weight densities to different regions (zones) of themulti-zone weighted blanket 202. For example, the multi-zone weightedblanket 202 in diagram 200 of FIG. 2A is shown with three discreteweight densities: a high weight density, a medium weight density, and alow weight density. In FIG. 2A, compartments (e.g. 204) of themulti-zone weighted blanket 202 indicated by a dark gray color have highweight density, compartments (e.g., 206) of the multi-zone weightedblanket 202 indicated by a light gray color have a medium weightdensity, and compartments (e.g., 208) of the multi-zone weighted blanket202 indicated by a white color have a low weight density.

In the diagram 200 of FIG. 2A, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 isshown such that four corners of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 havehigh weight densities (e.g., the dark gray compartments 204) (e.g., thecorner zones), regions between the four corners have medium weightdensities (e.g., the light gray compartments 206) (e.g., the extremitieszones), and a region in a middle of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202has a low weight density (e.g., the white compartments 208) (e.g., thecore zone). Under this weight density distribution, a person underneaththe multi-zone weighted blanket 202 experiences optimal drape andstretching tension that result from applying the multi-zone weightedblanket 202 to the person. For example, regions corresponding to thefour corners of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 have high weightdensities to “pin down” the blanket so the multi-zone weighted blanket202 creates proper drape and stretching tension, and does not moveeasily during sleep. Regions of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 thatcover a neck, shoulders, arms, and legs of the person may have mediumweight densities so these body parts can have comfortable pressure whilestill maintaining flexibility of movement. A region of the multi-zoneweighted blanket 202 that covers the torso of the person may have alight weight density to reduce pressure to a chest area while stillreceiving the benefits of stretching effects from neighboring higherweight density compartments.

Although in diagram 200 of FIG. 2A, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202is shown to have three distinct weight densities, the multi-zoneweighted blanket 202 may have more or less weight densities. Forexample, in some embodiments, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 mayhave five distinct weight densities to further customize or tailor a waythe multi-zone weighted blanket 202 drapes or stretches around contoursof a person. In some embodiments, the person may prefer having just twodifferent weight densities in the multi-zone weighted blanket 202. Forexample, a high weight density at four corners of the multi-zoneweighted blanket 202 and a medium weight density at remaining regions ofthe multi-zone weighted blanket 202. Many variations are possible andcontemplated.

The multi-zone weighted blanket 202 may come with a variety of differentpouches of different weights or weight densities. For example, amulti-zone weighted blanket 202 may come with five different weightedpouches.

FIG. 2B depicts a diagram 220 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket222, according to some embodiments. The multi-zone weighted blanket 222depicted in the diagram 220 of FIG. 2B is shown with three distinctweight densities: a high weight density (indicated by compartments 224with a dark gray color) (e.g., the corner zones), a medium weightdensity (indicated by compartments 226 with a light gray color) (e.g.,the extremities zones), and a low weight density (indicated bycompartments 228 with a white color) (e.g., the core zones). In someembodiments, weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket 222 canbe configured to treat a particular medical condition. For example, themulti-zone weighted blanket 222 can be configured such that a lower halfof the multi-zone weighted blanket 222 comprises compartments with ahigh weight density (e.g., compartments 224). Such a configuration maybe helpful to a person suffering from restless leg syndrome. Therestless leg symptomology may be suppressed or reduced by applying apressure to the legs. Therefore, in the configuration of the multi-zoneweighted blanket 222 depicted in FIG. 2B, a person suffering fromrestless leg syndrome may desire more pressure on the legs, allowing theperson to have a better sleep.

FIG. 2C depicts a diagram 240 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket242 configured for a couple (e.g., two people), according to someembodiments. The multi-zone weighted blanket 222 depicted in FIG. 2C isshown with three distinct weight densities: a high weight density(indicated by compartments 244 with a dark gray color) (e.g., the cornerzones, and the common corner zones between the two persons), a mediumweight density (indicated by compartments 246 with a light gray color)(e.g., the extremities zones, including the shared extremities zonebetween the two persons), and a low weight density (indicated bycompartments 248 with a white color) (e.g., the core zones). In thediagram 240 of FIG. 2C, the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 isconfigured such that four corners and regions between the couple, alonga top and a bottom edge of the multi-zone weighted blanket 242, havehigh weight densities; regions that correspond to the couple's necks,shoulders, arms, and legs have medium weight densities; and regions thatcorrespond to the couple's torsos have light weight densities. Such aconfiguration allows the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 to drape andstretch comfortably around contours of the couple. In some cases, for acouple that sleep sideways, the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 can befurther configured so that the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 drapesoptimally for sideway contours of the couple. In general, the multi-zoneweighted blanket 242 can be configured to conform to optimal positionsthat the couple sleeps. For instance, if one person (e.g., the largerperson depicted in FIG. 2C) likes to sleep on his/her back while thesecond person (e.g., the smaller person depicted in FIG. 2C) likes tosleep sideways, weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket 242can be configured such that the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 isdrapes around contours of this arrangement optimally to provide an idealstretch tension. Many variations are possible and contemplated.

The zones can be sized differently to address the different preferencesof the individuals. The weight densities can be different in thedifferent zones of the individuals. As stated above, one individual mayprefer heavier weight density. Accordingly, the weight density of thezones may use a higher weight density set of weighted pouches. Theindividual who prefers lighter weight density may use a lower weightdensity set of weighted pouches. The couple may negotiate the weightdensities of the shared zones between them.

In some embodiments, the weight densities of the multi-zone weightedblanket 242 is user adjustable. For example, a person can add or removeweighted materials (or insulation materials) from one or more pouches inthe compartments of the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 to achieve adifferent weight density profile than what was initially configured. Forexample, a person may remove ceramic beads from pouches in compartmentsthat correspond to the person's neck and shoulder area to lessen theweight (e.g., pressure) exerted by the multi-zone weighted blanket 242to the person's neck and shoulder area. Many variations are possible andcontemplated. For example, in some embodiments, a pouch containingceramic beads can be used in one compartment and a pouch containingmetal beads can be used in a different compartment. This arrangement mayallow, for example, the compartments to have the same or similar volumebut have different weight densities. Accordingly, the multi-zoneweighted blanket 242 can have a uniform shape but have different weightsdue to the different weight densities of the pouches, and the differentzones can have different weight densities due to the distribution of thedifferent pouches.

FIG. 3A depicts a flowchart 300 of an example method of creating weightdensities in a multi-zone weighted blanket, according to someembodiments. The flowchart 300 illustrates by way of example a sequenceof steps. It should be understood the steps may be reorganized forparallel execution, or reordered, as applicable. Moreover, some stepsthat could have been included may have been removed to avoid providingtoo much information for the sake of clarity and some steps that wereincluded could be removed, but may have been included for the sake ofillustrative clarity.

In step 302, a blanket is subdivided into two or more substantiallyequal compartments. Each compartment comprises an opening that allowsthe compartment to be filled with a pouch containing weighted materials.Each opening of the compartment can be secured with a coupling device.

In step 304, a first weight density pouch is created by filling a firstpouch with a first amount/number of first weighted material. One or morefirst pouches can be inserted into a first set of compartments in theblanket to establish one or more first zones, each having a first weightdensity/distribution.

In step 306, a second weight density pouch is created by filling asecond pouch with a second number/amount of second weighted material(the same or different material or combination of materials than thefirst material). One or more second pouches can be inserted into asecond set of compartments in the blanket to establish one or moresecond zones, each having a second weight density/distribution.

In step 308, a third weight density pouch is created by filling a thirdpouch with a third number/amount of third weighted material (the same ordifferent material or combination of materials as the first material andthe second material). One or more third pouches can be inserted into athird set of compartments in the blanket to establish one or more thirdzones, each having a third weight density/distribution.

In some embodiments, first pouches may refer to high density pouches,second pouches may refer to medium density pouches, and third pouchesmay refer to low density pouches.

FIG. 3B depicts a flowchart 320 of an example method of creating amulti-zone blanket optimized for a person, according to someembodiments. The flowchart 320 illustrates by way of example a sequenceof steps. It should be understood the steps may be reorganized forparallel execution, or reordered, as applicable. Moreover, some stepsthat could have been included may have been removed to avoid providingtoo much information for the sake of clarity and some steps that wereincluded could be removed, but may have been included for the sake ofillustrative clarity.

In step 322, a blanket is subdivided into several compartments, e.g.,along a length and a width of the blanket in a grid-like arrangement.Each compartment comprises an opening that allows the compartment to befilled with a weighted pouch, e.g., a first pouch, a second pouch, or athird pouch described above. Each opening of the compartment can besecured with a coupling device.

In step 324, compartments corresponding to four corners of the blanketare filled with a first pouch containing the heavier materials.

In step 326, each of the compartments corresponding to regions of theblanket between the four corners are filled with a second pouchcontaining medium weighted materials.

In step 328, each of the compartments corresponding to a region in amiddle of the blanket are filled with a third pouch containing lowweighted materials.

FIG. 3C depicts a flowchart 340 of an example method of creating adynamically configurable multi-zone weighted blanket, according to someembodiments. The flowchart 340 illustrates by way of example a sequenceof steps. It should be understood the steps may be reorganized forparallel execution, or reordered, as applicable. Moreover, some stepsthat could have been included may have been removed to avoid providingtoo much information for the sake of clarity and some steps that wereincluded could be removed, but may have been included for the sake ofillustrative clarity.

In step 342, a multi-zone weighted blanket is subdivided into two ormore compartments, e.g., along a length and a width of the multi-zoneweighted blanket in a grid-like arrangement. Each compartment can beprefilled with one or more pouches containing a number or amount ofweighted materials. Each compartment comprises an opening that allows atleast one pouch to be added or removed from the compartment. Eachopening of the compartment can be secured with a coupling device. Insome embodiments, each pouch includes a zipper that allows addition orremoval or replacement of weighted materials in each pouch.

In step 344, a first number or amount of weighted material may beremoved from a first pouch stored in a first compartment of themulti-zone weighted blanket to reduce the weight in the zone.Alternatively, lighter materials may replace some or all of the heaviermaterials in the first pouch. Alternatively, a lighter pouch may beselected and replaced in the first compartment.

In step 346, a second number or amount of weighted materials may beadded to a second pouch stored in a second compartment of the multi-zoneweighted blanket. Alternatively, heavier materials may replace some orall of the lighter materials in the first pouch. Alternatively, aheavier pouch may be selected to replace the lighter pouch in the secondcompartment. In some embodiments, the first number can be the same asthe second number. In some embodiments, the first number can bedifferent from the second number.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

The present invention(s) are described above with reference to exampleembodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications may be made and other embodiments may be usedwithout departing from the broader scope of the present invention(s).Therefore, these and other variations upon the example embodiments areintended to be covered by the present invention(s).

1. A multi-zone blanket comprising: multiple compartments along a lengthand a width; first pouches configured to be secured in a first set ofthe multiple compartments, the first set of the multiple compartmentsassociated with a first zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of thefirst pouches having a first weight, the first pouches for causing afirst weighted distribution across the first zone; and second pouchesconfigured to be secured in a second set of the multiple compartments,the second set of the multiple compartments associated with a secondzone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the second pouches having asecond weight different than the first weight, the second pouches forcausing a second weighted distribution across the second zone.
 2. Themulti-zone blanket of claim 1, further comprising: third pouchesconfigured to be secured in a third set of the multiple compartments,the third set of the multiple compartments associated with a third zoneof the multi-zone blanket, each of the third pouches having a thirdweight different than the first weight and the second weight, the thirdpouches for causing a third weighted distribution across the third zone.3. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein each of the pouches arefilled with at least one of ceramic beads, plastic beads, or metallicbeads.
 4. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein the multiplecompartments include substantially equal compartments.
 5. The multi-zoneblanket of claim 1, wherein each of the multiple compartments includes apocket with a coupling device that secures a particular pouch therein.6. The multi-zone blanket of claim 5, wherein the coupling deviceincludes at least one of a zipper, Velcro, button, or fastener.
 7. Themulti-zone blanket of claim 5, further comprising a layer covering thecoupling device of each of the multiple compartments to prevent thecoupling device from being in direct contact with a person when themulti-zone blanket is covering the person.
 8. The multi-zone blanket ofclaim 7, wherein the layer is detachable from the multi-zone blanket. 9.The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein the first zone includes acorner and the first weight is greater than the second weight.
 10. Themulti-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein the second zone includes a corezone and the second weight is lighter than the first weight.
 11. Amethod for creating a multi-zone weighted blanket, the methodcomprising: affixing multiple compartments along a length and a width ofa multi-zone blanket; securing first pouches in a first set of themultiple compartments, the first set of the multiple compartmentsassociated with a first zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of thefirst pouches having a first weight, the first pouches for causing afirst weighted distribution across the first zone; and securing secondpouches in a second set of the multiple compartments, the second set ofthe multiple compartments associated with a second zone of themulti-zone blanket, each of the second pouches having a second weightdifferent than the first weight, the second pouches for causing a secondweighted distribution across the second zone.
 12. The method of claim 11further comprising: securing third pouches in a third set of themultiple compartments, the third set of the multiple compartmentsassociated with a third zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of thethird pouches having a third weight different than the first weight andthe second weight, the third pouches for causing a third weighteddistribution across the third zone.
 13. The method of claim 11, whereineach of the pouches are filled with at least one of ceramic beads,plastic beads, or metallic beads.
 14. The method of claim 11, whereinthe multiple compartments include substantially equal compartments. 15.The method of claim 11, wherein each of the multiple compartmentsincludes a pocket with a coupling device that secures a particular pouchtherein.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the coupling deviceincludes at least one of a zipper, Velcro, button, or fastener.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising a layer covering the couplingdevice of each of the multiple compartments to prevent the couplingdevice from being in direct contact with a person when the multi-zoneblanket is covering the person.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thelayer is detachable from the multi-zone blanket.
 19. The method of claim11, wherein the first zone includes a corner and the first weight isgreater than the second weight.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein thesecond zone includes a core zone and the second weight is lighter thanthe first weight.